Weatherproof outlet cover

ABSTRACT

A weatherproof outlet cover assembly for protecting an outdoors electrical outlet is disclosed. The cover includes a housing which is hinged at one corner so that the cover can be used for either a horizontally or vertically oriented electrical receptacle. With the corner hinge, the cover closes due to gravity in either position, thus ensuring that the cover will always remain closed unless it is purposely held open. The hinge preferably includes a baffle which directs water down and away from the mating surfaces of the housing and back body. The back body may have a recessed and key shaped opening so that existing screws in a receptacle need only be backed partially out, rather than being completely removed. A wall plate may be snapped into place within the back body using a unique tab and tooth rack combination. To keep the housing closed relative to the back body, a snap may be actuated in the closed position, and a pair of aligned lock holes allows for a combination or key lock to prevent unauthorized access to the hidden receptacle. Cords of plugs inserted into the outlets may exit through an opening at a corner opposite the corner where the hinge is located. Thus, the exit opening faces in a generally downward direction whether the cover is placed horizontally or vertically. A pair of rubber flaps prevents rain water from back-splashing into the enclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to weatherproof outlet covers, and moreparticularly to an outlet cover which can provide weatherproofprotection for either a vertically or horizontally mounted receptacleand which can provide protection when the receptacle is in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is commonplace to have electrical outlets placed outdoors in order tosupply the electricity required by outdoor lighting, outdoor yardequipment, outdoor recreation equipment, and the like. Where electricaloutlets are placed outdoors, the damaging effects of weather conditionsrequire a weather-resistant outdoor electrical outlet cover.

Weatherproof and weather-resistant covers are used in conjunction withelectrical boxes or other housings to protectively enclose variouselectrical devices. Such covers are particularly useful to afford readyaccess to exterior electrical outlets while protecting them frommoisture and weather.

The typical electrical outlet box is generally rectangular and is closedon five sides and is recessed into or mounted exteriorly of a structureso that its open side is accessible. The box is typically sized toreceive a standard electrical device such as a duplex outlet or switchand the device is secured to the box with its front face substantiallyflush with the open face of the box. An opening in a wall of the boxpermits passage of electrical leads for connecting the device to anelectrical source or to another such fixture.

The cover assembly of the general type with which we are concerned hereincludes a cover plate which is co-extensive with the open side of theoutlet box. That plate is provided with one or more apertures shaped andlocated so as to expose the working parts of the device contained in thebox while isolating the electrically live parts of the device. The coveris usually secured in place by one or more threaded fasteners extendingthrough an opening in the cover and turned down into a threaded hole inthe box or in the device contained therein.

The usual weatherproof cover assembly also includes one or more doors orlids hinged to the cover plate to protect the electrical fixture mountedin the associated box from the weather when the fixture is not in use.In some cases, a single door protects an entire fixture, but sometimes,each aperture in the cover plate has its own door so that, for example,one receptacle of a duplex outlet can be in use while the other outletreceptacle is protected from the weather by an overlying door.

Most prior outdoor cover assemblies are disadvantaged in that theyprovide protection against the weather only when the associatedelectrical fixtures are not in use, i.e., when the cover plate doors areclosed. As soon as the doors are swung open to provide access to theassociated electrical device, those fixtures are exposed to the elementsand become vulnerable to damage from the elements.

There exist some cover assemblies which protect the associatedelectrical devices, usually electrical outlets, from the weather whenthe fixtures are in use. This feature is convenient because it issometimes preferred to leave certain outdoor appliances plugged into anoutdoor outlet for extended periods of time. Examples of such appliancesinclude outdoor lighting such as spotlights. Even when an appliance isnot intended to be left plugged in for an extended period of time, it isalso sometimes preferred to provide weather resistant protection for theappliance plug during use. These known assemblies which can protectoutlets during use have hinged lids or doors which are deep enough toprovide clearance for a plug or plugs plugged into the electrical outletbeing protected by the cover assembly. Those assemblies also includeopenings for accommodating the electrical cords terminated by the plugor plugs, which openings are located at the bottoms of the assemblies sothat the openings do not admit rainwater.

One of the disadvantages of these types of devices is that only avertically aligned electrical outlet may be satisfactorily protectedfrom varying weather conditions. If the above-described devices with thebottom openings were placed on a horizontally aligned electrical outlet,the opening for the appliance cord would no longer be oriented downwardthereby creating a greater likelihood that water, moisture or othersubstances would enter the protected area. Accordingly, such coverswould be unsuitable for protecting horizontally aligned electricaloutlets. Of course, manufacturers could make an entirely separate lineof outlet covers, one for horizontal outlets and one for verticaloutlets and retailers could stock both types; however, this could leadto greater costs associated with manufacturing and stocking more productlines. Moreover, when a consumer is considering purchase of an outletcover, he must remember the orientation of the outlet for which thecover is intended.

The prior art has shown some attempts at solving the above-describedproblems. U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,095 to Kling et al discloses a box covercontaining a pair of spring biased lids which fit together to seal anelectrical cord extending out of the cover. The two lids contain aninterlocking gear mechanism in order to synchronize the movement of thetwo lids. While the '095 device is capable of enclosing a horizontallyor vertically aligned outlet, the outlet cover is relatively complicatedand requires a large number of parts. Moreover, the outlet coverdescribed in the '095 patent prevents easy accessibility for theinsertion of an electrical plug.

Another attempt at solving the above-described problems is shown in U.S.Pat. No. 5,280,135 to Berlin et al. The '135 patent discloses a coverincluding a base plate to be mounted on an outlet with an insert membermounted within an aperture in the base plate. The insert may be fittedin the aperture in a plurality of orientations to encompass electricaloutlets of either a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation. Aprotective housing is fastened to the base plate in order to enclose theelectrical outlet and defines a closed space of sufficient size toenclose an electrical outlet with at least one plug inserted thereintoirrespective of the orientation of the outlet. A gap is provided at thebottom of the cover for allowing a cord to extend out of the housingwhile the housing is closed. While this cover may be used on eithervertically or horizontally oriented outlets, the size of the protectivehousing necessary to enclose either orientation of outlets is quitegreater than necessary when only one orientation is being employed andtherefore makes the cover undesirable. In addition, the removable insertis an item which can get lost from the rest of the cover device.Furthermore, the gap defines a hole which renders the cover less thanweather proof, as raindrops can bounce upwards from surrounding objectsinto the cover.

Thus, there is a need for a weatherproof outlet cover which can enclosean electrical outlet even during use. There is further a need for aweatherproof outlet cover which can be used on either vertically orhorizontally oriented electrical outlets. There is further a need forsuch a weatherproof outlet cover which does not considerably increasethe size of the device. There is further a need for such a weatherproofoutlet cover which does not allow the entry of rain water through theexiting area for electrical cords in either orientation. There isfurther a need for a weatherproof outlet cover which meets the aboveneeds while also meeting safety regulations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a weatherproofoutlet cover that can be mounted to either a horizontal or verticallyoriented outlet, while still being gravity biased in a closed positionin either orientation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such aweatherproof outlet cover which can protect the outlet while the outletis in use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such aweatherproof outlet cover which does not allow the entry of rain waterand other natural debris through an exit opening for electrical cords.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such aweatherproof outlet cover which does not require the removal of existingscrews for installation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such aweatherproof outlet cover with a wall plate which can be snapped intoplace and easily removed.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such aweatherproof outlet cover with features which secure the housing in aclosed position.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such aweatherproof outlet cover with a hinge that diverts rain water away fromcollecting towards the mating surfaces of the housing and back body.

Other objects will in part be obvious and in part appear hereinafter.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the weatherproofoutlet cover comprises a back body having a first pair of parallel edgesand a second pair of parallel edges, the first pair of parallel edgesand the second pair of parallel edges defining lines substantiallyperpendicular to each other, a housing pivotally connected to the backbody, and a pivot mount for mounting the housing to the back body,wherein the pivot mount defines a pivot axis which defines a line whichis at a non-zero and non-perpendicular angle to the edges of the backbody. In other words, the housing can be mounted using the pivot mountin either a first orientation or a second orientation, the first andsecond orientations being orthogonal, wherein the housing is gravitybiased to fall into a closed position in both the first orientation andthe second orientation. The housing is gravity biased in this mannerbecause the housing has a center of gravity wherein, in the closedposition, the center of gravity lies in a first horizontal plane and afirst vertical plane, and in the open position, the center of gravitylies in a second horizontal plane and a second vertical plane, differentfrom the first horizontal plane and the first vertical plane,respectively.

The back body and the housing are preferably generally rectangular, aportion of the pivot mount extending from a corner of the back body anda portion of the pivot mount extending from a corner of the housing. Anexit opening extends from a corner diagonally opposite the corner wherethe pivot mount extends.

The pivot mount may include a pin supporting member extending from thehousing, the pin supporting member including a pair of axially alignedpins, and a receiving section extending from the back body, thereceiving section including a pair of axially aligned holes forreceiving the pins.

Two features are preferably provided for securing the housing in aclosed position. A pair of lock holes are preferably provided, one onthe back body and one on the housing which align when the housing is ina closed position for accepting a securing device such as a combinationor key lock. In addition, a releasable latch may be provided forsnapping the housing into a closed position wherein the latch extendsfrom the back body and includes a catch facing the housing.

The back body includes a rear opening for surrounding the electricaloutlet, the cover further comprising a wall plate insertable over theopening. The wall plate and back body preferably include a snap-onconnection including a latching pawl extending from the wall plate and arack of teeth provided on the back body.

The rear opening may be in a rear wall of the back body, the rear wallfurther including a pair of screw openings, each screw opening includingan oversized circular hole through which a head of a screw may pass, anda slot extending from the hole, the slot sized to accept a shaft of ascrew, but sized to prevent a screw head from passing through. Arecessed area may surround the slot, the recessed area recessed from aplane defined by the rear wall of the back body. Thus, existing screwsneed only be backed out, rather than removed completely, when installingthe wall plate.

A layer of sealing material may be behind a rear wall of the back bodyto further add to the weatherproof nature of the cover. In addition, thepivot mount preferably includes a baffle designed to force water downand away from the mating surfaces of the back body and housing.Furthermore, the exit opening for the exiting cords preferably includesa pair of rubber flaps which prevent back-splashing into the enclosure.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will bemore readily understood and fully appreciated from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of a weatherproof outlet cover according tothe present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a left side perspective view of the weatherproof outletcover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a right side perspective view of the weatherproof outletcover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A shows a top plan view of one embodiment of the present inventioninstalled over a vertically oriented electrical outlet with the housingin a closed position, and FIG. 4B shows a top perspective view of thehousing in an open position.

FIG. 5A shows a top plan view of one embodiment of the present inventioninstalled over a horizontally oriented electrical outlet with thehousing in a closed position, and FIG. 5B shows a top perspective viewof the housing in an open position.

FIG. 6A shows a side perspective view of one embodiment of a hinge forthe cover of the present invention, with the housing separated from theback body, and FIG. 6B shows a side plan view of the housing connectedto the back body through the hinge.

FIG. 7A shows a side perspective view of the cover of the presentinvention with the housing in an open position and FIG. 7B shows a sideperspective view with the housing in a closed position, with the snapactuated and the lock holes aligned.

FIG. 8A shows an exploded perspective view of a watertight design forthe cord opening and FIG. 8B shows a close-up of a portion of the cordopening with watertight design structure shown in FIG. 8A; FIG. 8C showsa cross-sectional view of a hinge baffle to direct water down and awayfrom the mating surfaces of the housing and back body; FIG. 8D showsanother side perspective view of the hinge for the cover of the presentinvention, with the housing separated from the back body; FIG. 8E showsa cross-sectional view of the housing closed upon the back body with aprotrusion on the housing inserted in a continuous channel in the rimsurface of the back body; and FIG. 8F shows an enlarged view of theprotrusion and channel of FIG. 8E.

FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of a wall plate installed in the back bodyof the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 10--10 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of area 11 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows a partial exploded perspective view of a wall plate andback body of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 shows an exploded perspective view of a wall plate and back bodyof FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 shows a top plan view of a back body according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-3 show various views of the weatherproof outlet cover 10 of thepresent invention with the housing 12 in a closed position. The housing12 is preferably generally rectangular in shape with a first pair ofopposed sides 14 and 16 and a second pair of opposed sides 18 and 20.These opposed sides may be parallel, however they may also be disposedin planes which angle upwards towards a top panel 24 so that the housinghas a tapered appearance. In such an embodiment, the edges of the sidesmay be parallel. A protrusion 22 may extend from one or two sides of thehousing 12 to provide housing for an exiting cord, as will be explained.The housing 12 further includes a top panel 24 which is dimensioned tocover at least one electrical outlet, and is preferably dimensioned tocover one standard duplex receptacle and wall plate. Of course, thehousing 12 could also be sized to cover a pair or more of duplexreceptacles, or multi-gang boxes, and any other type of power outlets orcommunication conductor outlets (i.e. for phone cords, computer cords,etc.). The housing 12 thus includes a set of side walls and a top wall.

The cover 10 further includes a hinge or pivot mount 30 which ispositioned at one of the corners of the housing 12. For example, asshown in FIG. 1, the hinge 30 is positioned between side walls 16 and20. The angle of the hinge axis 32 relative to its adjacent sidewalls 16and 20 is between 30 and 60 degrees, and is preferably 45 degreesrelative to each sidewall.

The location of the hinge 30 relative to the housing 12 allows thehousing 12 to close under its own weight due to gravity whether thehousing 12 covers a horizontally oriented or vertically oriented outlet.Thus, the housing 12 can meet safety regulations for both orientationsof an outlet, without unduly increasing the size of the housing 12. In apreferred embodiment of the cover 10, the hinge 30 further includes astop 31 which, in the event the cover 10 is mounted on a surface otherthan a wall, will prevent the housing 12 from over rotating, which wouldinhibit the ability for the housing 12 to self-close due to gravity. Thestop 31 should not be necessary when the cover 10 is mounted to a wall,because the wall itself would prevent the housing 12 from over rotating,and would ensure that the housing 12 would always close due to gravity.Nonetheless, the stop 31 is preferably included in the manufacture ofthe product so that the cover 10 can be mounted in any location (suchas, for example, on a post in the middle of a yard) and still meetsafety regulations by self-closing under the influence of gravity. Inthe open position, the housing 12 should not open more than 120 degrees,and preferably not open more than 90 degrees.

The housing 12 for the outlet cover 10 will be described in combinationwith a backbody 40 which can surround an outlet. Under somecircumstances, it may be possible for the housing 12 with angled pivot30 to be used without a backbody 40, and instead to be mounted directlyto a wall surrounding the outlet to cover. In such a case, only pivot 30would be mounted to the wall and the housing 12 would be hinged to thepivot 30 such that the housing 12 would cover the outlet when in aclosed position and provide access to the outlet when in an openposition. An outlet cover without the backbody 40 would, of course, haveto use alternate measures to insure the weatherproof nature of thecover, such as providing a flexible seal around the edges of the housing12 or surrounding wall.

Preferably, the weatherproof outlet cover 10 includes a backbody 40 asshown in FIGS. 2 and 3, which may have a complementary shape to that ofthe housing 12. That is, the backbody 40 may be generally rectangularwith its own set of sidewalls. For engaging the housing 12 with thebackbody 40, a lip 34 may surround a bottom edge of the sidewalls of thehousing 12. When in a closed position, the lip 34 of the housing 12slightly overlaps the sidewalls of the backbody 40. The overlappingnature helps to insure weatherproofness. Alternatively, rather than alip 34, the sidewalls of the housing 12 could be dimensioned to overlapsidewalls of the backbody 40. The cover of the present invention ispreferably designed with a depth adequate to enclose a plug and thecurvature of its exiting cords. That is, if the cover does not includethe back body, then the housing should include sidewalls with a widthslightly larger than the length of a plug and its cord. If the coverdoes include the back body, then the combined width of the sidewalls ofthe housing and the back body in a closed position should be slightlylarger than the length of a plug and its cord. Thus, protection can beprovided for the outlet when the outlet is in use.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a vertical orientation of the weatherproof outletcover 10. FIG. 4A shows the housing 12 attached to a back body 40 at apivot mount 30 which is angled approximately 45 degrees from acenterline CL of the cover 10, the housing 12 being in a closedposition. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the housing is moved to an openposition, the outlets (hidden from view) can be accessed and filled withplugs 8 which have cords 9. The cords 9 can be draped towards an exitarea or opening 42. The exit opening 42 is provided at a cornerdiagonally opposite the corner where the hinge 30 is located. If notheld open, the weight of the housing 12 will cause the housing 12 tofall from the open position shown in FIG. 4B to the closed positionshown in FIG. 4A. The protruding area 22 points generally downward toprotect the exiting cords from sideways rain entrance as does awatertight closure 148 which will be discussed further below withrespect to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

While standard outlet covers with a top hinge or pivot can adequatelycover the vertically orientated position shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, theycannot be turned sideways, as can the present invention, to protect ahorizontally oriented outlet. This is because the hinge on the top wouldthen be located on the side, and would prevent the ability of thehousing to close under its own weight through the force of gravity. Auser who forgets to close the housing would be left with an uncoveredoutlet. In addition, the bottom exit openings of a standard outlet coverwould allow for the entrance of angled rain water when the cover ishorizontally oriented and the openings are then on a side rather thanthe bottom. Thus, standard outlet covers are not suitable for bothorientations as is the present invention.

Now turning to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the great advantage of the angled pivot30 is demonstrated. FIGS. 5A and 5B show a horizontal orientation of theweatherproof outlet cover 10. FIG. 5A again shows the housing 12attached to the back body 40 at a pivot mount 30 which is angledapproximately 45 degrees from a centerline CL of the cover 10, thehousing 12 being in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 5B, when thehousing is moved to an open position, the outlets (hidden from view) canbe accessed and filled with plugs 8 which have cords 9. The cords 9 canbe draped towards an exit area or opening 42. The exit opening 42 isprovided at a corner diagonally opposite the corner where the hinge 30is located. Despite the 90 degree change in position from that shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, the exit opening 42 still faces generally downward toprevent the entrance of angled rainwater. Again, if not held open, theweight of the housing 12 will cause the housing 12 to fall from the openposition shown in FIG. 5B to the closed position shown in FIG. 5A. Thus,the outlet cover 10 functions equivalently as it does when the cover ismounted over a vertically oriented outlet, without requiring any changeson the part of the cover other than installation direction. Thus asingle type of cover can be used for either horizontally or verticallyinstalled outlets, while still ensuring that the housing will alwaysremain closed when not held in an open position and still providingadequate weatherproof protection in the closed position.

The hinge 30 to which the housing 12 is pivotally mounted to either thewall surrounding the outlet or the backbody 40 may be any suitable hingeor pivot structure, so long as the pivot axis of the hinge is at theapproximately 45 degree angle to the centerline CL of the cover 10.Thus, the pivot axis of the hinge 30 defines a line which is at anon-zero and non-perpendicular angle to the edges of the side walls ofthe back body 40. By edges, it is intended to encompass both the topedges of the side walls near the opening and the bottom edges of theside walls near the rear wall.

The housing 12 is gravity biased in a closed position in either of theorthogonal positions, vertical or horizontal. This is due to therelative location of the center of gravity of the housing 12 in theclosed and open positions. In a standard hinged cover, when the hinge islocated along a top wall, the center of gravity defines a firsthorizontal plane and a first vertical plane when the housing is in aclosed position. When the housing is moved to an open position, thecenter of gravity lies in a different horizontal plane, but the samefirst vertical plane. In a hinged cover where the hinge is on a sidewall, the center of gravity again defines a first horizontal plane and afirst vertical plane when the housing is in a closed position. When thehousing is moved to an open position, the center of gravity lies in adifferent vertical plane, but the same first horizontal plane. On thecontrary, the present invention provides for a housing which, when movedto an open position, locates the center of gravity in both a differenthorizontal plane and a different vertical plane than when in a closedposition.

One embodiment for connecting the housing 12 to the backbody 40 is shownin FIGS. 6A and 6B. The housing 12 is provided with a pin supportingmember 46 from which projects two pins 48, extending in oppositedirections along a shared axis. The back body 40 is provided with areceiving section 50 for the pin supporting member 46 which includes apair of holes 52 formed in receiving arms 51. The holes 52 lie along thepivot axis 32. During assembly, the pins 48 may be pushed into guidegrooves in the receiving arms 51 and snapped into the holes 52 such thatthe housing 12 can pivot about the pivot axis 32. FIG. 6B shows one pin48 in place within a hole 52 of the receiving section 50. Of course, itwould be within the scope of this invention to provide the pins as anextension of section 50 and holes within the member 46.

Two features are preferably provided on the weatherproof outlet cover 10of the present invention to retain the housing 12 in a closed position.These features preferably include a snap which is activated when thehousing 12 is moved to a closed position over the back body 40 and apair of aligned lock holes through which a securing device such as acombination lock or key lock can be inserted. While any snap arrangementis within the scope of this invention, it is preferred that the snapself-actuates when the housing 12 is moved to the closed position, andretains the housing 12 in a closed position until the snap is manuallyreleased. For example, FIGS. 7A and 7B show a snap having a latch 56extending from a bottom sidewall of the back body 40. An outwardlyprojecting catch 58 extends from a top of the latch 56. Extending fromthe housing 12 is a snap and lock section 60 which includes a bulbousinwardly projecting protrusion 62. When the housing 12 is moved from itsopen position shown in FIG. 7A to the closed position shown in FIG. 7B,the snap and lock section 60 moves into engagement with the catch 58 ofthe latch 56. The latch 56 includes an arm 68 which is slightly bendablesuch that the protrusion 62 can move along a cam face 70 of the catch 58while the latch 56 is moving slightly inward, towards the backbody 40.When the protrusion 62 reaches the end of the cam face 70, the catch 58returns forward, away from the back body 40, and the protrusion 62 restsunderneath the catch 58, as shown in FIG. 7B. The housing 12 cannot bemoved back to its open position unless the arm 68 of the latch 56 ispushed slightly inward so that the catch 58 can release the protrusion62 of the snap and lock section 60. Thus, heavy gusts of wind can notmove the housing 12 into an open position, thereby preventing rainwaterfrom entering the outlets.

While the above-described snap mechanism is suitable for securing thecover 10 in a closed position for complete weatherproof protection, itcannot adequately protect against unauthorized usage. For preventingunauthorized access of the protected outlets, a pair of lock holes 64and 66, provided on the housing 12 and the back body 40, respectively,are provided which align together when the housing 12 is moved into aclosed position. When aligned, a securing device such as a combinationlock or key lock can be inserted through the aligned holes, thuslimiting access of the outlets contained within to the bearer of the keyor combination. Of course, other securing devices could be used such asrope, string, chains, etc. which may be tied tightly and may at leastprevent unauthorized access by children. Although the positions of thelock hole 66 and latch 56 are as shown, it should be understood that thepositions could be reversed and that either position is within the scopeof this invention and that the relative positions do not affect thefunction of the snap and lock holes, so long as the positions of theprotrusion and lock hole on the housing 12 correspond with the positionsof the snap and lock hole on the back body 40.

As further shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a layer of sealing material 72 maybe secured to a rear wall of the back body 40. In this manner, the seal72 bridges the back body 40 to a wall or surface surrounding theelectrical receptacle and ensures a waterproof connection of the backbody 40 to the wall or surface. The seal 72 may be a foam seal or anyother suitable, waterproof sealing material. When a rear wall of thebackbody 40 is secured to a wall or surface, the seal 72 may be slightlycompressed to ensure a watertight connection.

Additional weatherproofing design features are shown in FIGS. 8A-8F.FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a watertight design for the cord opening 42.Referring back to FIG. 2, the watertight closure 148 is shown in theclosed position. In this position, two rubber flaps 150 and 160 havesurface 152 to surface 162 contact which prevents water from"back-splashing" up into the enclosure. Each of the flaps 150 and 160are provided with a pair of slots, 154 and 164, respectively, which arealigned in a closed position. The slots 154 and 164 allow the cords 9 toexit the enclosure and also wrap around the exiting cords to furtherprevent the back-splashing effect of the water. FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate how the rubber flaps 150 and 160 may be installed into thebase 40 and housing 12. The exit opening 42 on each of the base 40 andhousing 12 is provided with a groove 170 which accepts the rubber flap150 or 160. Preferably, the groove 170 also includes teeth 172 whichkeep the rubber flap 150/160 in place.

Turning now to FIGS. 8C-8D, a preferred embodiment of the invention mayfurther comprise a baffle 180 for the hinge 30. The baffle 180 isdesigned to force water down and away from the mating surfaces of thehousing 12 and back body 40. As shown in FIG. 8C, the baffle 180 isfound in the interior cross-section of the pin supporting member 46. Thebaffle 180 includes a body 182, a first leg 184, and a second leg 186.The first leg 184 forms an outer portion of the pin supporting member 46and extends downwardly towards an outer portion 188 that extendsupwardly from the receiving section 50 between the receiving arms 51.The second leg 186 extends within the space 190 in the receiving section50. When the pin supporting member 46 is seated within the receivingsection 50 as shown in FIG. 8C, the baffle 180 directs any incoming rainor other water or impurities from the space 190 in the hinge 30 and awayfrom the mating surfaces of the housing 12 and backbody 40. FIG. 8Dshows another view of the pin supporting member 46 with second leg 186and receiving section 50. The positive stop 31 is shown as an upwardlyextending protrusion from a central area of the receiving section 50.

Turning now to FIGS. 8E-8F, a preferred embodiment of the invention mayfurther include an additional water resistant design which wraps aroundthe product. FIG. 8E shows a channel 206 on the rim surface 204 of theback body 40. The channel 206 follows the rim trajectory. A continuousprotrusion 202 inside the mating surface of the housing 12, and withinthe lip 34, as detailed in FIG. 8F, follows the channel path. Ratherthan pooling water at the top of the cover 10, this design enables thecover 10 to trap water in the channel 206, directs the water down thesides of the cover, and allows the water to run out of the product dueto gravity.

The cover 10 of the present invention further preferably includes apivotal wall plate insertable within the back body 40 for preventingdirect access to the box which contains the outlets. Thus, only theoutlets with the female receptacles for receiving plugs remain visible.As shown in FIGS. 9-13, a wall plate 90 includes a pair of apertures 92for allowing access to outlets, not shown. The wall plate 90 furtherincludes an aligning tab 93 for aligning the wall plate 90 correctlywithin the back body 40 and at least one pawl 94 for securing the wallplate 90 within the back body 40. FIG. 9 further shows a preferred pathof the channel 206 which follows the rim surface 204 of most of thesidewalls of the back body 40. As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the back body 40includes a ridge 97 having an upstanding portion 96 with a plurality ofteeth 98. The pawl 94 of the wall plate 90 may engage with the teeth 98and retain the wall plate 90 securely within the back body 40, withoutthe need for screws. The aligning tab 93 may sit within a recess in theridge 97 and allows for the easy removal of the wall plate 90.

As shown in FIG. 13, the back body 40 further includes a rear wall 100having an opening 102 for accessing the outlets (not shown), and aplurality of openings 104 for securing the back body to the wallsurrounding the receptacle. In addition to the rear wall 100, the backbody 40 further preferably includes a set of side walls, as previouslydiscussed, which give the back body 40 a generally rectangular shape.The side walls include side walls 120, 122, 124 and 126. The hinge 30extends between side walls 126 and 120, and may extend from a connectingwall 128. Wall 130 may extend from side wall 124 to lead to exit opening42. Extending from side wall 122 may be lock hole 66, provided on lockhole extension 67, and latch 56.

In addition to screw holes 104 and aperture 102, the rear wall 100 ofthe back body 40 is further preferably provided with screw apertures106, of special design as shown in FIG. 14. The screw aperture 106allows for an installer of the outlet cover of the present invention tomerely back out the existing screws of a duplex receptacle, or the like,rather than completely removing them. Once the screws (not shown) arebacked out, the enlarged openings 108 may be placed over the heads ofthe screws. Once the heads are above the rear wall 100 of the back body40, the back body 40 may be moved sideways (in FIG. 14, the back body 40would be moved to the left) such that the shaft of the screw enters thenarrow slot 110. Once the shaft of the screw is at the end of the slot110, the screw can be screwed back into position. The head of the screwmay engage recessed area 112 of aperture 106. Thus, the back body 40 canbe secured to the receptacle without having to remove, and potentiallylose, any existing screws.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance withthe invention, a weatherproof outlet cover that fully satisfies theobjects and advantages set forth above. While the invention has beendescribed in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it isevident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will beapparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoingdescription. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embraceall such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within thespirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A weatherproof outlet cover assembly comprising:aback body having a first pair of parallel edges and a second pair ofparallel edges, the first pair of parallel edges and a second pair ofparallel edges defining lines substantially perpendicular to each other;a housing pivotally connected to the back body; a pivot mount formounting the housing to the back body, wherein the pivot mount is notparallel to the first pair of parallel edges or the second pair ofparallel edges of the back body, and a portion of the pivot mountextends from a corner of the housing.
 2. The weatherproof outlet coverassembly of claim 1 wherein the back body is generally rectangular. 3.The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 2 further comprising anexit opening for an electric cord, the exit opening extending from acorner diagonally opposite the corner where the pivot mount extends. 4.The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 3 wherein the exitopening is covered with a pair of rubber flaps which mate when thehousing is in a closed position with respect to the back body, each ofsaid pair of rubber flaps having a pair of slits adapted for passingelectric cords.
 5. The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 1wherein a first lock hole is provided on the back body and a second lockhole is provided on the housing, wherein the first lock hole and thesecond lock hole are aligned when the housing is in a closed position.6. The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 1 further comprisinga releasable latch for snapping the housing into a closed position. 7.The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 6 wherein the latchextends from the back body and includes a catch facing the housing. 8.The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the pivotmount includes a pin supporting member extending from the housing, thepin supporting member including a pair of axially aligned pins, and areceiving section extending from the back body, the receiving sectionincluding a pair of axially aligned holes for receiving the pins.
 9. Theweatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 8 wherein the pin supportingmember has a cross-section defining a baffle and the receiving sectiondefines an inner space for receiving the baffle, the baffle adapted todirect water away from mating surfaces of the housing and back body. 10.The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the back bodyincludes an opening, the cover assembly further comprising a wall plateinsertable over the opening.
 11. The weatherproof outlet cover assemblyof claim 10 wherein the wall plate and back body include a snap-onconnection.
 12. The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 11wherein the snap-on connection includes a latching pawl and a rack ofteeth.
 13. The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 12 whereinthe latching pawl extends from the wall plate and the rack of teeth isprovided on the back body.
 14. The weatherproof outlet cover assembly ofclaim 10 wherein the rear opening is in a rear wall of the back body,the rear wall further including a screw opening, the screw openingincluding an oversized circular hole through which a head of a screw maypass, and a slot extending from the hole, the slot sized to accept ashaft of the screw, but sized to prevent the screw head from passingthrough.
 15. The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 14 furthercomprising a recessed area surrounding the slot, the recessed arearecessed from a plane defined by the rear wall of the back body.
 16. Theweatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 1 further comprising a layerof sealing material behind a rear wall of the back body.
 17. Theweatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the back body islimited in size to overlie an electrical outlet in one of a horizontalor vertical orientation.
 18. A weatherproof outlet cover assemblycomprising:(a) a box-like housing having a top wall, a set of sidewalls, and an open rear; (b) a pivot mount extending from the housing,and (c) wherein the housing can be mounted using the pivot mount ineither a first vertical orientation or a second horizontal orientation,the first and second orientations being orthogonal, wherein the housingis gravity biased to fall into a closed position in both the firstorientation and the second orientation.
 19. The weatherproof outletcover assembly of claim 18 further comprising a back body, the pivotmount connecting the back body to the housing.
 20. The weatherproofoutlet cover assembly of claim 19 wherein each of the back body and thehousing comprises a generally rectangular shape, the pivot mountextending from a corner of the housing.
 21. The weatherproof outletcover assembly of claim 20 further comprising an electrical cord exitarea located at a corner diagonally opposite the corner from which thepivot mount extends.
 22. A weatherproof outlet cover assembly forprotecting an electrical receptacle, the cover assembly comprising:(a)aback body; (b) a housing pivotally connected to the back body andmovable between an open position and a closed position; (c) an exitopening, formed by the housing and back body when the housing is movedto the closed position; (d) a first groove, located along an inside edgeof the back body; (e) a second groove, located along an inside edge ofthe housing; (f) a first flexible flap inserted in the first groove, thefirst flexible flap having at least one slit; (g) a second flexible flapinserted in the second groove, the second flexible flap having at leastone slit; and (h) wherein, when the housing is moved to the closedposition, the first and second flexible flaps having mating surfaces andsubstantially conceal the exit opening, and wherein the at least oneslit of the first flexible flap is aligned with the at least one slit ofthe second flexible flap for allowing an electrical cord to pass. 23.The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 22 wherein each of thefirst and second grooves comprise teeth for retaining the first andsecond flexible flaps, respectively, therewithin.
 24. The weatherproofoutlet cover assembly of claim 22 wherein the first and second flexibleflaps are made of rubber and prevent the entry of water through the exitopening.
 25. The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 22 whereinthe first flexible flap comprises a pair of slits and the secondflexible flap comprises a pair of slits.
 26. The weatherproof outletcover assembly of claim 22 wherein the first groove is U-shaped and thesecond groove is U-shaped, and wherein the first flexible flap and thesecond flexible flap each have a partial U-shaped periphery to fitwithin the first and second grooves and a partial straight periphery fordefining the mating surface.
 27. A weatherproof outlet cover assemblyfor protecting an electrical receptacle, the cover assemblycomprising:(a) a back body; (b) a housing pivotally connected to theback body and movable between an open position and a closed position;(c) a hinge for pivotally connecting the housing to the back body, thehinge comprising (d) a pin supporting member extending from the housing,the pin supporting member including a pair of axially aligned pins; (e)a receiving section extending from the back body, the receiving sectionincluding a pair of axially aligned holes for receiving the pins; and(f) wherein the pin supporting member has a cross-section defining abaffle and the receiving section defines an inner space.
 28. Theweatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 27 wherein the bafflecomprises a first leg forming an outer portion of the pin supportingmember, a second leg spaced apart from the first leg and extendingwithin the inner space, the second leg being longer than the first leg.29. The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 28 furthercomprising a stop extending from the receiving section and adapted toprevent the housing from rotating more than 90 degrees in the openposition with respect to the back body.
 30. The weatherproof outletcover assembly of claim 29 wherein the stop overlaps with the first legwhen the housing is in the closed position.
 31. A weatherproof outletcover assembly for protecting a standard duplex receptacle, the coverassembly comprising:(a) a back body having a rear wall and a set ofsidewalls; (b) a housing having a top wall and a set of sidewalls, thehousing pivotally connected to the back body; (c) a rear opening in therear wall of the back body; and (d) a wall plate insertable within theopening, the wall plate having a screw opening, the screw openingincluding an oversized circular hole through which a head of a screw maypass, and a slot extending from the hole, the slot sized to accept ashaft of the screw but sized to prevent the screw head from passingthrough.
 32. The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 31 whereinthe wall plate and back body include a snap-on connection.
 33. Theweatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 32 wherein the snap-onconnection includes a latching pawl and a rack of teeth.
 34. Theweatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 33 wherein the latching pawlextends from the wall plate and the rack of teeth is provided on theback body.
 35. The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 34wherein the rear wall of the back body includes a pair of parallelridges with a first ridge on one side of the rear opening and a secondridge on an opposite side of the rear opening, the rack of teethprovided in the first ridge.
 36. The weatherproof outlet cover assemblyof claim 35 wherein the second ridge is interrupted by a space, the wallplate having an aligning tab insertable within the space and usable forremoval of the wall plate from the rear wall of the backbody.
 37. Theweatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 31 further comprising arecessed area surrounding the slot, the recessed area recessed from aplane defined by the rear wall of the back body.
 38. A generallyrectangular, or square weatherproof outlet cover assembly comprising: abase; and a cover attached to the base by a hinge arranged diagonally ata corner of the cover assembly.
 39. The weatherproof outlet coverassembly of claim 38 further comprising an exit opening for a cordpositioned at a diagonally opposite corner of a corner where the hingeis mounted.
 40. The weatherproof outlet cover assembly of claim 39further comprising a generally rectangular back body, the housing hingedto one corner of the back body.
 41. The weatherproof outlet coverassembly of claim 40 wherein the back body and housing are sized toprotect an electrical outlet.
 42. The weatherproof outlet cover assemblyof claim 38 wherein the housing is gravity biased to a closed positionin either of two orthogonal orientations.